
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVE PLATE
MISALIGNMENT
Common causes of misalignment are:
²Heat warping
²Mounting drive plate on a dirty crankshaft
flange
²Incorrect bolt tightening
²Improper seating on the crankshaft shoulder
²Loose crankshaft bolts
Clean the crankshaft flange before mounting the
drive plate. Dirt and grease on the flange surface
may misalign the flywheel, causing excessive runout.
Use new bolts when mounting drive plate to crank-
shaft. Tighten drive plate bolts to specified torque
only. Over-tightening can distort the drive plate hub
causing excessive runout.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH COVER
AND DISC RUNOUT
Check condition of the clutch cover before installa-
tion. A warped cover or diaphragm spring will cause
grab and/or incomplete release or engagement. Use
care when handling the clutch assembly. Impact can
distort the cover, diaphragm spring, and release fin-
gers.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH CHATTER
COMPLAINTS
For all clutch chatter complaints, perform the fol-
lowing:
(1) Check for loose, misaligned, or broken engine
and transmission mounts. If present, they should be
corrected at this time. Test vehicle for chatter. If
chatter is gone, there is no need to go any further.
(2) If chatter persists, check hydraulic clutch
release system is functioning properly.
(3) Check for loose connections in drivetrain. Cor-
rect any problems and determine if clutch chatter
complaints have been satisfied. If not:
(a) Remove transaxle.
(b) Check to see if the release bearing is sticky
or binding. Replace bearing, if needed.
(c) Check linkage for excessive wear on the pivot
stud and fork fingers. Replace all worn parts.
(d) Check clutch assembly for contamination
(dirt, oil). Replace clutch assembly, if required.
(e) Check to see if the clutch disc hub splines
are damaged. Replace with new clutch assembly, if
necessary.
(f) Check input shaft splines for damage.
Replace, if necessary.
(g) Check for uneven wear on clutch fingers.
(h) Check for broken clutch cover diaphragm
spring fingers. Replace with new clutch assembly,
if necessary.
SPECIAL TOOLS
SPECIAL TOOLS - T850 TRANSAXLE
CLUTCH RELEASE CABLE -
LHD
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3)Diesel models:Remove underbody splash
shield.
(4) Remove clutch bellhousing cap.
(5) Some models will have a clutch cable retainer
clip at the transaxle to secure it to the case (Fig. 9).
If retainer clip is installed, dislodge clip from from
inside bellhousing using a suitable screwdriver (Fig.
10), pull outward on cable conduit, guiding cable core
wire through slot in bellhousing and disengaging
cable ªTº from clutch release lever (Fig. 11). If
retainer is not installed, disengage clutch cable from
transaxle by pulling outward on cable conduit, guid-
Disconnect Tool, 6638A
Remover/Installer, 6891
RGCLUTCH6a-7
CLUTCH (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install modular clutch assembly to transaxle
input shaft (Fig. 31).
(2) Install transaxle to vehicle. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MANUAL - INSTAL-
LATION)
SLAVE CYLINDER - RHD
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.Diesel models:Remove
underbody splash shield.
(2) Using Tool 6638A, disconnect hyrdraulic clutch
circuit quick connect fitting.
(3) Remove clutch slave cylinder (Fig. 32) by lifting
nylon tab with a small screwdriver, and then
depressing cylinder inward towards case and rotating
cylinder 60É counter-clockwise.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install clutch slave cylinder into position, not-
ing orientation of different sized lugs. While depress-
ing inward, rotate slave cylinder clockwise until
nylon locating tab rests in transaxle case cutout, and
the hydraulic tube is vertical (Fig. 32).
(2) Connect ªquick-connectº connection until an
audible ªclickº is heard. Verify connection by pulling
outward on connection.
(3)Diesel models:Install underbody splash
shield.
(4) Lower vehicle.
CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE
PLATE - 2.5L TD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transaxle assembly. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MANUAL -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove six (6) clutch pressure plate-to-fly-
wheel bolts. Remove pressure plate and disc from fly-
wheel (Fig. 33).
(3) Inspect flywheel. Resurface/replace as neces-
sary.
(4) Inspect clutch release bearing and lever.
Replace as necessary. (Refer to 6 - CLUTCH/
CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING - REMOVAL)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install clutch release bearing and lever (if
removed). (Refer to 6 - CLUTCH/CLUTCH RELEASE
BEARING - INSTALLATION)
(2) Install clutch disc and pressure plate to fly-
wheel (Fig. 33). Install clutch alignment tool, and
install and torque pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts to
28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(3) Install transaxle assembly. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MANUAL - INSTAL-
LATION)
Fig. 32 Slave Cylinder Removal/Installation
1 - MOUNTING HOLE
2 - SLAVE CYLINDER
3 - ACCESS HOLE
4 - NYLON ANTI-ROTATION TAB
RGCLUTCH6a-15
MODULAR CLUTCH ASSY - 2.4L GAS (Continued)

FLYWHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transaxle assembly. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MANUAL -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove clutch pressure plate and disc. (Refer
to 6 - CLUTCH/CLUTCH DISC - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove flywheel assembly (Fig. 34).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install NEW flywheel-to-crankshaft bolts by
hand.
(2) Torque bolts in a criss-cross sequence to 25
N´m (18 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 34).
(3) Torque bolts in a criss-cross sequence an addi-
tional 60É.
(4) Install clutch pressure plate and disc. (Refer to
6 - CLUTCH/CLUTCH DISC - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install transaxle assembly. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MANUAL -
INSTALLATION)
Fig. 33 Clutch Disc and Pressure Plate
1 - FLYWHEEL
2 - DISC3 - PRESSURE PLATE
Fig. 34 Flywheel Bolt Torque Sequence
6a - 16 CLUTCHRG
FLYWHEEL (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TCC BREAK-IN
VIEW/RESTART PROCEDURE
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) employs
a strategy which modifies torque converter clutch
(TCC) operation. This strategy conditions the torque
converter clutch disc for optimum converter clutch
engagement and feel throughout the life of the trans-
axle. The cycle inhibits FEMCC until six hours of
PEMCC operation have taken place, or the vehicle
has been driven 6,035 km (3750 miles). The cycle
automatically terminates when either the time or
mileage has been achieved, however, the mileage
may vary slightly from vehicle to vehicle.
The TCC break-in cycle must be restarted using
the DRB Scan Tool, and upon:
²Replacement of TCM on vehicle with less than
6,035 km (3750 miles) or less than 6 hours of
PEMCC operation
²Replacement of torque converter assembly at
any vehicle mileage
NOTE: Failure to restart the TCC Break-In Cycle
upon TCM replacement in vehicles with less than
six hours of PEMCC or less than 6,035 km (3750
miles), or upon torque converter replacement at any
mileage, may result in vehicle shudder during cer-
tain operating conditions.
Procedure
The DRB Scan Tool is required to view and/or
restart the TCC Break-In cycle.
(1) Connect the DRB Scan Tool to the vehicle diag-
nostic connector.
(2) Navigate to ªTCC Break-Inº via Transmission/
Transmission Control Module/Miscellaneous.
(3) View or Start TCC Break-In as prompted by
DRB menu.
REMOVAL
NOTE: If transmission control module is being
replaced with a new or replacement unit, the Pinion
Factor and Quick Learn procedures must be per-
formed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE) (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) If vehicle has less than 6,035 km
(3750 miles), the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC)
Break-In Strategy reset procedure must also be per-
formed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Remove left front tire/wheel assembly.
(4) Pull back splash shield to gain access to TCM
location.
(5) Disconnect TCM 60-way connector (Fig. 15).
(6) Remove three (3) TCM-to-rail screws and
remove TCM from vehicle (Fig. 16).
Fig. 15 Transmission Control Module 60-way
Connector
1 - TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)
2 - 60-WAY CONNECTOR
Fig. 16 Transmission Control Module Removal/
Installation
1 - SCREW
2 - TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)
3 - CLIP
4 - LEFT RAIL
8E - 28 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESRS
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
2001 RS Service Manual
Publication No. 81-370-1005
TSB 26-03-01 March, 2001

INSTALLATION
NOTE: If transmission control module is being
replaced with a new or replacement unit, the Pinion
Factor and Quick Learn procedures must be per-
formed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE) (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
NOTE: If TCM is replaced and vehicle has less than
6,035 km (3750 miles), the Torque Converter Clutch
(TCC) Break-In Strategy reset procedure must also
be performed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELEC-
TRONIC CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION
CONTROL MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(1) Install TCM into position (Fig. 17). Install
three (3) screws and torque to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.).(2) Install TCM harness 60±way connector (Fig.
18) and torque to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
(3) Install splash shield into position with fasten-
ers.
(4) Install left front wheel/tire assembly.
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
(7) If TCM was replaced, reset Pinion Factor and
Quick Learn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELEC-
TRONIC CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION
CONTROL MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(8) If TCM was replaced and vehicle has less than
6,035 km (3750 miles), perform TCC Break-In reset
procedure. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Fig. 17 Transmission Control Module Removal/
Installation
1 - SCREW
2 - TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)
3 - CLIP
4 - LEFT RAIL
Fig. 18 Transmission Control Module 60-way
Connector
1 - TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)
2 - 60-WAY CONNECTOR
RSELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES8E-29
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
2001 RS Service Manual
Publication No. 81-370-1005
TSB 26-03-01 March, 2001

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
3. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.3. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
4. ENGINE SEIZED. 4. REFER TO THE ENGINE SECTION, FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND
SERVICE PROCEDURES.
5. LOOSE
CONNECTION AT
BATTERY, PDC,
STARTER, OR ENGINE
GROUND.5. INSPECT FOR LOOSE CONNECTIONS.
6. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR.6. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETHAND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
STARTER
ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT
BEFORE
ENGINE
STARTS.1. BROKEN TEETH ON
STARTER RING GEAR.1. REMOVE STARTER. INSPECT RING GEAR AND REPLACE
IF NECESSARY.
2. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.2. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
STARTER DOES
NOT
DISENGAGE.1. STARTER
IMPROPERLY
INSTALLED.1. INSTALL STARTER. TIGHTEN STARTER MOUNTING
HARDWARE TO CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. STARTER RELAY
FAULTY.2. REFER TO RELAY TEST, IN THIS SECTION. REPLACE
RELAY, IF NECESSARY.
3. IGNITION SWITCH
FAULTY.3. REFER TO IGNITION SWITCH TEST, IN THE STEERING
SECTION.. REPLACE SWITCH, IF NECESSARY.
4. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.4. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
5. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR.5. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETH AND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST
The starter control circuit has:
²Starter motor with integral solenoid
²Starter relay
²Transmission range sensor, or Park/Neutral
Position switch with automatic transmissions
²Ignition switch
²Battery
²All related wiring and connections
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
²To disable ignition and fuel systems, disconnect
the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The ASD relay
is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
Refer to the PDC cover for the proper relay location.
STARTER SOLENOID
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE
PARKING BRAKE APPLIED.
(1) Verify battery condition. Battery must be in
good condition with a full charge before performing
any starter tests. Refer to Battery Tests.
(2) Perform Starter Solenoid test BEFORE per-
forming the starter relay test.
(3) Perform a visual inspection of the starter/
starter solenoid for corrosion, loose connections or
faulty wiring.
(4) Locate and remove the starter relay from the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the PDC
label for relay identification and location.
RSSTARTING8F-29
STARTING (Continued)

INSTALLATION - 2.4L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 13).
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
INSTALLATION - 3.8L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in the rear.
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
(3) On All Wheel Drive vehicles install the PTU
(Power Transfer Unit) for the rear wheels, refer to
the Transmission section for more information.
(4) Lower vehicle.
(5) Connect the negative cable.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION - STANDARD 2.4L
All engines use resistor spark plugs. They have
resistance values ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt spark plug
tester.
Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
Refer to the Specifications section for gap and type
of spark plug.
DESCRIPTION - PLATINUM 3.3/3.8L
These engines utilize platinum spark plugs. Refer
to the maintenance schedule.
All engines use resistor spark plugs. They have
resistance values ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt spark plug
tester.
Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
The spark plugs are double platinum and have a
recommended service life of 100,000 miles for normal
driving conditions per schedule A in this manual. The
spark plugs have a recommended service life of
75,000 miles for severe driving conditions per sched-
ule B in this manual. A thin platinum pad is welded
to both electrode ends as show in (Fig. 14). Extreme
care must be used to prevent spark plug cross
threading, mis-gaping and ceramic insulator damage
during plug removal and installation.
Fig. 13 Knock Sensor
1 - GENERATOR
2 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
3 - KNOCK SENSOR
4-STARTER
Fig. 14 Platinum Pads
1 - APPLY ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND HERE ONLY
2 - PLATINUM SPARK SURFACE
8I - 8 IGNITION CONTROLRS
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

CAUTION: Use correct screws when installing the
ORC.
(1) Install the ORC assembly into vehicle.
(2) Connect the wire connector to the ORC.
(3) Install three bolts holding ORC to floor
bracket. Torque bolts to 7.3 - 9.6 N´m (65 to 85 in.
lbs.)
(4) Install the storage bin onto the instrument
panel. Refer to Body, Instrument Panel, Storage Bin,
Installation.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE PASSEN-
GER AIRBAG, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS NO
SERVICEABLE PARTS.
The Passenger Airbag is located beneath the
instrument panel and pad assembly. The airbag is
mounted to the back side of the instrument panel
reinforcement.
The instrument panel top pad is the most visible
part of the passenger airbag system. Located under
the instrument panel top pad are the airbag door, the
passenger airbag cushion and the airbag cushion
supporting components.
The passenger airbag includes a magnesium hous-
ing within which the cushion and inflator are
mounted and sealed.
Following a passenger airbag deployment, the pas-
senger airbag and the instrument panel must be
replaced. The passenger airbag cannot be repaired,
and must be replaced if deployed or damaged in any
way.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is equipped with two infla-
tors, each with three levels of pressure output. The
inflators seal the hole in the airbag cushion so it can
discharge the gas it produces directly into the cush-
ion when supplied with the proper electrical signal.
Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion
quickly deflates by venting this gas through the
cushion material towards the instrument panel.
The passenger airbag is secured with screws to the
instrument panel beneath the instrument panel top
pad and above the glove box opening. The instrumentpanel top pad above the glove box opening conceals
the airbag door and a predetermined hinge line
beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deploy-
ment, the top pad will bend at the hinge line and the
door will fold back out of the way onto the top of the
instrument panel.
WHEN THE FRONT AIRBAG SYSTEM IS
DEPLOYED BECAUSE OF A COLLISION, THE
FOLLOWING MUST BE REPLACED:
²COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
²LOWER STEERING COUPLER
²STEERING WHEEL
²STEERING COLUMN CLOCK SPRING
²DRIVER AIRBAG COVER/HORN SWITCH
²DRIVER AIRBAG
²PASSENGER AIRBAG
²UPPER INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH PAD
CARE OF UNDEPLOYED AIRBAGS
Airbags must be stored in their original special
container until used for service. At no time should a
source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on
the back of an airbag. When carrying or handling an
undeployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should
be pointing away from the body to minimize possibil-
ity of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid surface,
the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DEPLOYED
PASSENGER AIRBAG CLEAN UP
Roll or fold the passenger airbag towards the
instrument panel surface and close the door over the
folded bag. Then tape the door shut.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
der from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside
in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated
area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well. If
HVAC was in RECIRC mode at time of airbag
deployment, operate HVAC blower on low speed/heat
and vacuum powder residue expelled from the heat
outlets. Multiple vacuum cleaning may be necessary
to decontaminate the interior of the vehicle.
SERVICE OF DEPLOYED AIRBAG
If a Passenger Airbag has been deployed, but not
due to a collision, replace the following:
²Passenger Airbag
²Upper instrument panel with pad
The component above must be replaced because
they cannot be reused. Inspect the heat duct near the
passenger airbag for any damage replace as neces-
sary. Replace any other passenger airbag system
components if damaged.
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSRS
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER (Continued)